The remarkable success achieved by Tunisian singer Lamia Riahi in Cairo was not a fleeting moment—it was a fully fledged artistic event that reaffirmed the enduring power of classical Arabic singing. Over three consecutive nights, Sakia El Sawy hosted her concerts, all sold out, reflecting a growing audience for a voice that restores elegance to traditional music and preserves the charm of timeless melodies.
A Fluid, Effortless Voice that Fills the Stage
What sets Lamia Riahi apart is not only the strength of her voice, but her exceptional ability to glide smoothly between vocal registers with a musical fluidity reminiscent of the great schools of classical singing. Her tone—soft at times, soaring at others—carries a deep emotional resonance that leaves listeners drawn into each note and every phrase.
She delivered a purely classical performance, relying neither on vocal theatrics nor on exaggerated showmanship. Instead, her singing was rooted in sincerity—an honest emotional expression that allowed the audience to live every musical moment with her. It is no surprise that the hall erupted in applause after each passage.
A Heartfelt Greeting to the Audience and the Tunisian Community
In a touching moment of gratitude, Lamia offered a special greeting to the Tunisian community in Egypt, a gesture warmly welcomed by the diverse audience. It was a reminder of the bond that forms between an artist and her listeners, a relationship built on authenticity and shared emotion.
“Riahiyat”… A Dream Fulfilled and a Collective Voice Reviving Musical Heritage
Lamia’s success in Cairo is rooted in a long journey. Years ago, she founded her signature project: the musical collective “Riahiyat”, a vocal ensemble bringing together Tunisian women and young singers aged 18 to 75. Born from a personal dream, this group has grown into a cultural space dedicated to elevating refined music and reviving the classics of Umm Kulthum, Farid Al-Atrash, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Warda Al-Jazairia, among other icons of the golden era.
Under Lamia’s artistic guidance, the ensemble’s repertoire is renewed every month, featuring selections from across the Arab world—Egyptian, Tunisian, Moroccan, Gulf—and even French songs. Her refined artistic taste and professional experience have contributed greatly to the group’s rising popularity.
Lamia is also deeply committed to engaging younger generations, believing that they are the future custodians of this rich musical heritage.
Lamia Riahi’s concerts in Cairo were more than successful performances; they were a musical statement, proving that authentic art still resonates deeply with audiences when delivered with precision, emotion, and honesty. She is not merely a Tunisian singer who triumphed in Cairo—she is an Arab artist who continues to demonstrate that classical music, when renewed with passion, can still capture hearts.
TunisianMonitorOnline Correspondent (Douha Essaafi)
